“The impact of the Cold War on Africa was positive.” With reference to two African countries, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the impact of the Cold War on Africa was positive. Candidates may offer equal coverage of each country, or they may emphasize their assessment of either; however, two countries must feature in the response. Candidates may refer to economic assistance offered in return for superpower alignment (even though assistance often took the form of military equipment), to ways in which problems such as corruption were ignored by superpowers, and to the risk of involvement in proxy Cold War conflicts. While other relevant factors, for example other causes of conflict between states, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.